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Cellular Senescence: Difference between revisions
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Cellular senescence, a state in which cells lose their ability to divide and function properly, is a key concept in the study of aging and longevity. Cellular senescence is a double-edged sword, offering protection against cancer but promoting aging and related diseases. As longevity research progresses, strategies targeting senescence offer promising avenues for enhancing healthspan and possibly lifespan. | |||
== Definition and Characteristics == | |||
Cellular senescence is a cellular state characterized by: | |||
* Permanent cell cycle arrest, meaning the cell no longer divides. | |||
* Changes in cell morphology and function. | |||
* Increased secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, a phenomenon known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). | |||
== Causes of Cell Senescence == | |||
Several factors can induce cellular senescence: | |||
# '''Telomere Shortening''': Every time a cell divides, its telomeres (protective ends of chromosomes) get shorter. Once they reach a critical length, the cell enters a state of senescence. | |||
# '''DNA Damage''': Exposure to radiation, toxins, or oxidative stress can damage DNA, triggering senescence. | |||
# '''Oncogene Activation''': Overactivity of certain genes can promote tumorous growth, and in response, cells may become senescent to prevent cancer. | |||
== Implications for Aging and Disease == | |||
* '''Tissue Dysfunction''': Senescent cells can impair tissue function due to their loss of proliferative capacity and the secretion of SASP factors, which can cause inflammation and damage surrounding cells. | |||
* '''Chronic Diseases''': Increased senescent cell burden is associated with various age-related diseases, including osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, and certain types of cancers. | |||
* '''Reduced Regenerative Capacity''': Senescence in stem cells can reduce the body's ability to repair damaged tissues, leading to slower recovery and reduced tissue functionality. | |||
== Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Senescence == | |||
# '''Senolytics''': These are drugs designed to selectively remove senescent cells from the body, thus reducing their negative impact. Examples include dasatinib and quercetin. | |||
# '''Senomorphics''': These compounds aim to modulate the SASP, reducing the harmful effects of senescent cells without necessarily removing them. | |||
# '''Lifestyle Interventions''': Factors like diet, exercise, and stress reduction can potentially influence the onset and accumulation of senescent cells. | |||
== Research and Future Directions == | |||
With the understanding of senescence's role in aging, there's a growing interest in developing strategies to modulate this process. Future research aims to: | |||
* Understand the exact mechanisms driving senescence. | |||
* Develop more targeted therapies for senescent cell removal or modulation. | |||
* Explore the long-term effects and potential risks of senescence-targeting interventions. | |||
== Todo == | |||
* https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.13314 | * https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.13314 | ||
[[Category:Research]] | [[Category:Research]] | ||